Soothing Nutrient-Dense Smoothie

Sometimes you just need a liquid meal with benefits. Try this recipe for a nutrient-dense meal that can easily be customized and drunk daily.

2 cups (500 mL) pure coconut milk (or another unsweetened milk alternative, yogurt, or kefir)
1 cup (250 mL) fresh or frozen seasonal berries
1 to 2 scoops protein powder (optional)
1 Tbsp (15 mL) fresh hemp hearts
1/3 cup (80 mL) kombucha tea
1 tsp (5 mL) seaweed powder
1/2 tsp (2 mL) pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon or ginger

Blend all ingredients in high-power blender until smooth. Add filtered water to thin, if desired.

If eating is very restricted, this recipe can be simplified by adding a whole food protein powder to water, and/or a milk alternative, and a couple of ounces of kombucha. Drink slowly with a straw if the texture is bothersome. Once eating is less of a challenge, you can slowly add in more whole food ingredients to provide a greater array of nutrients.

Serves 2.

Each serving contains: 283 calories; 16 g protein; 13 g total fat (11 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 22 g total carbohydrates (13 g sugars, 3 g fibre); 125 mg sodium

Proceed with caution

Be extra cautious when consuming fermented foods, such as kombucha tea, when your immune system is compromised. Be sure to purchase these foods from a reliable natural health source. Ask your health care practitioner for advice.

Using hemp hearts

Soak hemp hearts for a few hours before using for a smoother blend. They can also be used in lieu of protein powder, just double or triple the amount of hemp hearts used.

source: "Healing Foods", alive #390, April 2015